A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes

Monthly Archives: January 2018

That apart, the Maldives has a lot more to offer than your average island―it is home to some of the most luxurious resorts and spas, not to mention the famed undersea restaurants. Going beyond the obvious, it also has a forest full of tropical plantations, and even a Cold War era RAF base. Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the best places to vacation in the Maldives, and just be mesmerized!

Interesting Places to Visit in the Maldives

Malé

Male Skyline
Malé’s Skyline

When you come to the Maldives, you’ll be landing here in Malé, in all probability. Take time out to enjoy this gorgeous little island, that is considered to be one of the smallest capital cities, with regard to size. This is also perhaps the only place in the Maldives where there is a lot to do and see, while you’re on land. I’m referring to Malé’s many museums, mosques, parks, and restaurants.

Islamic Center in Male
Islamic Center in Malé

Must-see places in Malé include:
The National Museum, which houses thrones, palanquins, statues, and many other antiques belonging to the erstwhile Sultanate of Maldives.
The Sultan’s Park is the sprawling lawn that surrounds the National Museum.
The Hukuru Miskiiy, also known as the Friday Mosque, is the largest place of worship in Malé.
Addu Atoll

Male Skyline
Diving in the Indian Ocean

Addu Atoll, also known as Seenu Atoll, sits at the southernmost end of the Maldives. This is also the site of Addu City, one of the few inhabited islands. Addu used to be a secret Royal Navy base during WWII, and you’ll find the remnants in place here. You’ll also find some pristine beaches, typical of anywhere in the Maldives. But if you’re looking for something special, put on your diving suit, and take a dip in the ocean to see some brightly colored corals and a few unique whale and dolphin species.

Naifaru

On the Beach
On the beach in Naifaru

Naifaru has the one thing that draws people to the Maldives, which is romance, of course. You’ll find truckloads of it on this picturesque island, which is a perennial favorite among honeymooners. While you’re here, do nothing else except eat the delicious seafood, laze on the white sand, watch some awesome sunsets, and swim or snorkel to your heart’s content.

Fuvahmulah

Azure beaches are a Maldivian trademark, but what sets Fuvahmulah apart is its lush tropical greenery. It has woodlands, wetlands, freshwater lakes, well-vegetated marshland areas, not to mention the beaches as well. You’ll find a lot of tropical fruit trees, including mangoes, bananas, pineapples, and even oranges. Another aspect that makes Fuvahmulah a must-see is that the locals regard this island to be the most beautiful among the rest.

Subterranean lakes and rivers are a real geological masterpiece, and are not limited to fiction. They are a characteristic feature of karst landforms.

The layers of carbonate bedrock get dissolved owing to the mildly acidic water, forming tiny crevices, which subsequently enlarge and give rise to underground waterways and lakes.
The underground lakes and rivers are generally associated with beautiful caves and caverns characterized by speleothems of different shapes and sizes. This Buzzle write-up gives is a brief account of some of the most amazing underground lakes and rivers around the world.
10 Incredible Underground Lakes and Rivers

Reed Flute Cave
Location: Guilin, Guangxi, China

Reed Flute Cave (China)

Renowned for its karst topography, the city of Guilin is a famous tourist destination, with the Reed Flute Cave being the most mesmerizing and oldest attraction. This cave system derives its name from a type of reed that grows at the entrance of the cave, and is used to make flutes.
Also known as the Palace of Natural Arts, this 180 million-year-old cave offers a spectacular sight of stalactites and stalagmites that continually evolve into a different shape due to the cave river. The highlight of the cave is an area called the Crystal Palace of the Dragon King, where brightly lit rock formations are reflected in the extremely still cave lake. The water and roof are illuminated using blue light to give a glacial effect, adding to the beauty of the cave.
The Reed Flute Cave is not just a tourist attraction, but has historical significance as well, since it provided refuge to thousands of soldiers during the Sino-Japanese War.

Luray Caverns
Location: Virginia, USA

Luray Caverns (USA)

Discovered in 1878, the Luray Caverns is the third-most visited cave system in the US, and is known for its unique limestone formations, like the frozen fountain, Titania’s Veil, the Empress Column, irregularly shaped rocks that look like fried eggs, a set of stalactites that can give rise to musical tones like those produced by pipe organs, and The Great Stalacpipe Organ.
This cave system houses a sparkling underwater lake called the Dream Lake, which reflects the shimmering white stalactites and unique rock formations. The water of the lake is so clear that, at times, the mirror image of the stalactites hanging above is said to be mistaken for a stalagmite of the floor.

Hamilton Pool Preserve
Location: Austin, Texas, USA

Hamilton Pool (USA)

Owing to the massive erosion that took place thousands of years ago, the dome of an underground river in Austin collapsed, revealing the serene tranquility below. The natural pool, known as the Hamilton Pool, was designated as a preserve in 1990.
It is type of plunge pool formed by a 50-ft waterfall, and it is surrounded by limestone slabs and stalactites. Spread across 232 acres, the Hamilton Pool Preserve has been a favorite spot for a peaceful summer afternoon, owing to the calm waters and the lush green habitat comprising bald cypress, ferns, and wild flowers.

Have you ever experienced the high of being in a place, where apart from you, there is hardly anyone else? When you open your eyes, all you see is nobody? There are many places on this earth where life does not exist in abundance; it exists hidden somewhere, waiting for you to discover it. Think again, and think one more time, before you associate seclusion with romance. Yes, there are many unsullied spots that offer those in love a universe of their own. On the other hand, there are places that are so empty, they help you realize how full of life you are. And while you’re traveling through these secluded destinations, amidst all the emptiness and nothingness, there is a great chance that you will find yourself. So, are you ready to get lost?
Looks Too Difficult? Check this out!
Erik Weihenmayer of the United States of America has climbed the highest mountains on each continent. Yes, including Mount Everest! He has thus, conquered the Seven Summits successfully. What’s more? He’s blind! Yes, you read it right.
Are you geared up now to embark on a journey through the roads less traveled?
Top 10 Secluded Destinations that Help You Fall Off the Map
Deception Island, Antarctica
Deception Island Antarctica
Formed as the crater of a volcano, one of the farthest points on the globe, an abandoned whaling station, Deception Island ironically has a name it doesn’t deserve. Why? Because it’s one of the safest harbors on the continent. Administered by the Antarctic Treaty System, this island is now home to researchers and occasional travelers.

Private Islands in the Maldives
Private Islands in the Maldives
The Maldives are the original desert islands. I’m sure you’ve heard this often, but have you seen it from the eyes of a traveler and not a vacationist? White sand, a few trees, an endless canvas of the sea and sky, and in the center of all this, you, with your beloved. Seems like a dream come true? It sure does.
Bentota, Sri Lanka
Bentota Sri Lanka
Looking for a place that is not all that secluded? Want some alone time amidst a little company to help you feel safe? Bentota is the place! A small town by the Indian Ocean, this is a holiday you would want to take alone, sans the family and the romantic interest. Indulge in Ayurvedic healing, experience the rush of water sports, and at the end of it all, sit back and relax, taking in all the beauty this haven has to offer.

Lake Manasarovar, Tibet
Lake Manasarovar Tibet
If ever there is a perfect depiction of purity, it is this. The Holy Lake of Manasarovar, with the Kailas Range in the backdrop, amidst which stands tall the Kailash Parbat, is natural beauty redefined. Reaching this haven isn’t easy though. It requires three days to just complete the circumference, and living here, is synonymous with tents. You also need to be physically fit to endure the harsh surroundings.

Most people go to a vacation or a travel destination in search of relaxation, to do some sight-seeing, maybe some shopping and generally have a good time. Most sight-seeing tours include visiting some monuments and buildings which have historical importance or/and is visually stunning. This gives us an opportunity to look and examine these buildings and architectural masterpieces up close and have a better look at these buildings that we had only gazed at in magazines and television. The culture and history of a place can be traced through the kind of architecture it had. So when a vacation is taken solely to look at these historical monuments and study different architectural styles, it is called architectural tourism. Architectural tourism is very big today and many countries are promoting this form of tourism to boost their economy.
Architectural Tourism Spots
Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors and architectural tourism has really come up in the last couple of years. Tourists who want to get a feel of the culture of a city, like to go for architectural travels that encompass tours of many historical monuments and buildings. From the castles dotted around Germany to the ancient ruins of Rome, architecture plays a vital role in attracting tourist to a particular travel location.
China
A country that boasts of one of the best architecture in the world is China. Chinese architecture, ranging from the various dynasties that ruled it has undergone a great evolution. People recognize Chinese architecture from The Great Wall of China and the beautiful pagodas. But there is more to Chinese architecture than that. People who are interested in architecture will find China to be a virtual unexplored region which has some of the best monuments and buildings. Some notable Chinese architecture that are a must see are Terra Cotta Warriors in the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang in Xi’an, The Hanging Temple, Forbidden City, Shenyang Imperial Palace, Temple of Heaven, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, The Confucius Temple in Nanjing and the Temple of Guanyu Ming Dynasty Tombs that are situated in the mountain foot of Mount Tianshou. China is a country of architectural marvels both ancient and modern and it is one of the best tourist destination for people who love architecture.

Egypt
Any mention of Egypt, and what comes to mind are the Egyptian Pyramids. Egypt is a country that has been steeped in mystery and its beautiful architecture is what makes tourist throng to it. The architecture of Egypt has been influenced greatly by Islamic architecture. Some of the attractions in Egypt are The Great Sphinx of Giza, the village of Deir al-Madinah, the fortresses at Buhen, the pyramid of Khafre, the temple complex of Karnak and the Luxor Temple. All these great structures were made of limestone, sandstone, mud, brick and granite and are millions of years old.